Bhuvneshwar Kumar has once again stood out as one of the driving forces behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 push, reigniting discussion about whether he could return to India’s national setup. After playing a decisive role in RCB’s title-winning run last year, the seasoned right-arm quick has carried that momentum into the current season, delivering performances that have kept the franchise firmly on course in the race for the playoffs.
So far, Bhuvneshwar has taken 21 wickets in 11 matches, and his impact has been especially noticeable as RCB defend their crown. The Bengaluru side is currently placed at the top of the points standings, and with just three matches left, they only need a single win to secure their spot in the postseason.
As supporters and cricket voices continue to call for his inclusion in the national team, Bhuvneshwar has responded with a measured approach to the growing chatter. In reflecting on his long journey and the milestones he has achieved in Indian cricket, the experienced pacer said he is not chasing a comeback narrative or thinking too far ahead. Instead, he emphasized staying focused on the immediate job—helping his franchise succeed.
“I am not thinking about India’s comeback. It has been many years since I stopped keeping or making long-term goals, because whenever I did that, it never worked for me. I am happy that I have played 200 matches and taken so many wickets, in the powerplay and at the death. I think it is all a reward for what I have done over the years. There have been good years and bad years. Honestly, at this point in time, I am not feeling anything special. Of course, I would be lying if I said that I will not feel it later on. Once I stop playing, I think these will be memories that will come in handy later. But at this point in time, for me, I think it is very normal,” Bhuvneshwar said in a video shared by RCB.
He produced one of his most impressive outings of the season in RCB’s tense win over Mumbai Indians on May 10. Bhuvneshwar was named Player of the Match after dismantling Mumbai’s top order, finishing with bowling figures of 4/23 from his four overs. A key feature of the spell was that it included the dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav in the same over, which quickly shifted the pressure onto MI during the chase.
Bhuvneshwar also chipped in with the bat when the match reached its most delicate stage. With RCB requiring nine runs off the final three balls, he struck a crucial six off Raj Angad Bawa, helping Bengaluru keep momentum before they ultimately clinched a dramatic two-wicket win on the last delivery.
